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Judy Knapp, PhD, MSW:

Hereditary breast/ovarian cancer syndrome (HBOC) occurs in families where someone has a gene mutation in either the BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 genes. According to the American Medical Association, approximately 10% of all ovarian cancers (and between 7% and 13% of breast cancers) are hereditary. This means that most ovarian and breast cancers are not hereditary, but occur sporadically or at random.

Women with one of these gene mutations have a much higher chance of getting ovarian cancer than women in the general population. From the base of knowledge that currently exists on this question, women with a BRCA 1 mutation have between a 20% and 60% of getting ovarian cancer by the time they are 70 years old. The risk with BRCA 2 mutation is lower -- between 18% and 27% by age 80.

Genetic risk of ovarian cancer is first calculated by gathering a great deal of specific information about a woman's family and personal history of all cancers. This requires a consultation with a cancer genetics counselor. Various statistical models are used to obtain a risk estimate. If the estimate is over 10%, genetic testing may be considered. This involves a simple blood test. Additional counseling would be offered to help the woman make a decision about gene testing.

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